Duo create Lamp that runs off of gravity

London based designers Martin Riddiford and Jim Reeves have created what they are calling the GravityLight, an LED lamp that runs off of nothing but gravity. The purpose of the lamp is to provide people in third world countries with an alternative to kerosene lamps which cause burns and lung ailments to millions of people too poor to afford any other source of light. Ads by Google Alternative Energy Films - A Series of Short Films that Will Change the Energy Conversation. - RationalMiddle.com

The lamp is as simple as it is inexpensive. A cable hangs from a gear mechanism holding onto a plastic bag filled with dirt or rocks. The energy created by gravity pulling the bag downwards is enough to power an LED bulb for up to half an hour. Riddiford and Reeves have posted their creation on the fund sourcing site indiegogo and thus far pledges have doubled the $55,000 goal.

1. While it's a neat light...

...it does *not* run off gravity any more than a wind up watch runs off the spring. They both run off muscle power. In the case of the watch the energy a person uses to wind the spring... in the case of the light the energy the person uses to lift the rocks. It's not a new concept.

2. That's fantastic!

3. Should market this using a Tom's shoes/hipster desire to use inconvenient things strategy

sell them for much more then they cost in the US to people who want too reduce their carbon foot print or perhaps as a way to exercise while powering your house lights for the day. Then for each unit sold in the US give a few to someone who doesn't have access to an electrical grid.